Under the Circumstances?

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy or praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”  Philippians 4:4-8

“The Holy Spirit brings a whole new attitude and perspective on our problems!  A Christian is not exempt from difficulties, as some would assume, but rather he is equipped to go into them and to survive. 

“’Joy’ is something different from ‘happiness’.  Happiness is a comfortable feeling determined BY circumstances. – Joy, however, is something far deeper.  It is a confidence in God that sees beyond the circumstances.”*

I remember when I was a hungry baby Christian and met a lady named Betty and she was simply “in love” with the Lord Jesus Christ.  I stayed with her a few months and her entire house was decorated with all these posters with Scriptures and encouraging verses.  One, in particular, has come to mean a great deal to me:  “God Don’t Make No Junk!”  The grammar is, or course, incorrect, but the message is PERFECT. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene  

PS:  ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?  Please send updates!  For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action! 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:  For Ricki, whose first grandchild was born prematurely at 29 wks. Sat. night.  The little girl weighs 3 lbs. 10 oz.  Her parents are Tyler & Jenna and they live in Indianapolis. Please pray for God's Will in this situation and strength for all the challenges ahead for all involved.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING:  Hans needs clarity right now and hope.  Deborah’s husband is home from surgery.  Adrian is doing better in his attitude but is still in much pain.  If anyone is near Caboolture (an hour north of Brisbane), please contact me so we can help Adrian in a more practical way! 

That the Lord loves and comforts us through challenges we could not face without Him and for good friends during times of difficulty. 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  For Daniel Craver (3-4 yrs old), home recovering from liver surgery.  Paul NS.  Tim (my little brother) with CPRD, needs financial help, especially with no health insurance - needs a disability pension.  David still needs prayer for his health, but is doing better.  Steve Barns for relief from great pain and depression. 

For a solution for Audley and Beverly (she’s disabled from a stroke and needs a carer during the day so Audley can go out and work).  Tim B with headaches, that his doctor will OK a new procedure for relief.  For Carlton suffering from horrible infections in his bones. 

Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ )  Wisdom for doctors caring for so many, including Tim, Doris, David, Gary, Deb, Adrian and Annette’s friend Sue.

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes!  Hans, a new hungry baby Christian urgently needs to find fellowship --if you know any Christians near Essen Germany, please contact me as soon as possible. 

Pray for Isaiac Catorce, his family and ministry in the Philippines and the clean-up after the flood where more than 85 people died.  If the Lord lays it on your heart to help, contact Barbara Hanak at Ambassadors for Christ in Atlanta Georgia (bhanak@afciworld.org)

Cucuawe as he recovers from the trauma of his 17-year old daughter’s death.  Galdor recovering from the loss of his mother and companion dog of 17 years --he also needs a new job.  For Yourri who lost a friend.  Please pray for Deepak as he struggles through some challenges.  For travelling mercies as Reg and Beverly visit South Africa.  Pray for wisdom of my brother as he deals with an important matter.

For travelling mercies for Michael C & Diane on their extended cruise.  For Roger as he considers options for a pledge of heart.  Adam who’s becoming involved with a cult that’s filling many unmet needs.  Scott, for strength as he struggles and grows (for Donna as she encourages him).  For David K, in his studies.  For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael. 

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  God’s grace on USA & REVIVAL for His children there and for the many nations suffering from global financial mismanagement.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Barbara’s (sister-in-law) and Hans’ (friend) projects have both ended and they need new work.  (Hans especially needs paying work – he’s been volunteering to fill the time.)  For Tim, my amazing brother that he might find satisfying work.  Paul K who resigned from his job and is setting up a consultancy.

 

 

*Christ For Real by Charles Price